Heart disease tests for men aged 40

Published on Saturday 27 September 2008 23:29

MEN as young as 40 might be offered screening for coronary heart disease after disturbing new figures revealed a rise in deaths from the condition.

NHS data shows an increase in deaths from coronary heart disease among early middle-aged men in the most deprived parts of Scotland. This reverses the downward trend in heart disease deaths over the past 20 years for this age group.

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in Scotland, killing one in four men. Risk factors include smoking, obesity and family history.

Among Scottish men aged 35-54, deaths from the condition rose from 60 per 100,000 population in 2003 to 62 per 100,000 population in 2006.

Actual numbers rose from 426 men to 443 in this age group. But among the most deprived sectors of society, the rise was more significant: from 111 to 123 men per 100,000. In 2003 this meant 143 men died; in 2006 the death toll was 159. Previously, deaths from coronary heart disease in this age category had dropped steadily from a high of 150 per 100,000 population in 1987.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply is blocked by fatty substances in the arteries. If the arteries narrow, it causes angina; if an artery becomes blocked completely, it can cause a heart attack.

Last night, experts blamed rising obesity and lack of exercise for the trend. The Scottish Government said it may extend its heart disease screening programme, Keep Well, to men aged 40. Currently, only men aged 45-64 are assessed.

Terry McLaughlin, a researcher from the NHS Information Services Division, said: "It is possible that changes in younger people's lifestyles, particularly for males, and the resulting increase in obesity and diabetes are having an effect on mortality rates."

Andy Carver, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "This may be a consequence of rising obesity and is an indicator of poor diet and inactivity. It may also be that some men are not recognising their symptoms."

Under Keep Well, men in the most deprived areas are invited to their surgery to have their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke assessed and given health advice if necessary.